How does a childhood spent exploring nature shape a lifelong passion? In this episode, Alexis Nikole Nelson—award-winning forager, chef, and social media star—shares how her Montessori education helped nurture her curiosity and independence, ultimately leading to her unique career.

Hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman discuss with Alexis:

• How her Montessori upbringing encouraged hands-on learning and a love of nature
• The history and cultural significance of foraging, especially in Black and Indigenous communities
• The intersection of food, environmental education, and social media storytelling
• Her upcoming cookbook

With humor, insight, and infectious enthusiasm, Alexis brings a fresh perspective on learning, history, and the joy of reconnecting with nature—one edible plant at a time.

Follow Alexis:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackforager/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisnikole
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BlackForager

And to learn more about the Montessori perspective on this topic:
An Introduction to Sustainability in the Montessori Classroom
https://learn.amshq.org/products/an-introduction-to-sustainability-in-the-montessori-classroom#tab-product_tab_about_the_class

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org